Parks Supt. Kevin Briski confirmed Thursday night (Feb. 10) that discussions are underway that might move Rhythm and Booms from Warner Park – at least for this year.
This appears to have come to a head because of a number of factors, notably this
year’s rebuild of Northport and Packers Drives, and Warner’s parking lot.
But there could also be questions of costs, fireworks pollution in the Warner
wetland, and a general Northside weariness with the event.
Any number of people move or medicate their pets during the fireworks. Any
number leave their homes. Parking in surrounding neighborhoods is also a
complaint.
At the Parks Dept. public meeting Thursday night a number of people spoke out
against the fireworks, including fishing and conservation groups.
I asked Briski whether this move might be a temporary, one-year hiatus, or could
be a permanent move. “The answer to both is yes,” he said.
Wild Warner, which I chair, will be discussing this issue at upcoming meetings,
in order to take an official position. We are concerned about the impact on a
federally protected wetland, and its wild life, above and below the water.
To help us judge public sentiment about R&B, we will create an online Survey
Monkey. Among the questions that might be posted:
1) Do you want R&B to continue at Warner?
2) Is R&B “good” for the Northside, including business.
3) What are your concerns about R&B?
If you have any comment or suggested questions, email
them from this site’s contact page, or info (at) wildwarnerpark.org. Your comments to Wild Warner will be kept anonymous but will help us create a fair survey.
In the meantime, Briski urged us to relay our thoughts to our alders.
Thanks,
Jim Carrier, chair
www.wildwarner.org
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